This bill mandates that drivers and passengers of antique vehicles, specifically those with model years of 1968 or older, must wear seat or safety belts when operating these vehicles on state or local highways for distances exceeding 20 miles. The requirement is contingent upon the seat or safety belts meeting the standards set by the United States Department of Transportation. However, this regulation does not apply when the vehicle is being driven in a parade or off-road, as specified in the new section 265:107-b added to RSA 265. Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not override any existing laws regarding seat belt usage.

The bill also establishes penalties for violations, categorizing them as a violation under the law. Furthermore, it requires the Department of Transportation to develop rules concerning the installation and retrofitting of seat and safety belts in these antique vehicles. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. The fiscal impact of the bill is currently indeterminable, with potential implications for state and local expenditures related to enforcement and compliance.